Black Balsam

It's blueberry season here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  We hit the Blue Ridge Parkway in search of the scrumptious berries.  Black Balsam is known as a great place to do some pickin' so we stopped at the overlook and hiked up.  We didn't have much luck with the blueberries but it was a breath taking hike. 

We found some blackberries along the way.

The blueberry bushes had been picked over as the crop wasn't that great this year.

Playing in a pine forest.

We made it to the top.

My boys (Gumbo included)

The views were amazing.

Storm clouds rolling in.

Who has the longest tongue?   Gumbo takes the prize!!

Kindergarten

Oh, my baby boy, where has the time gone?  I feel like it was yesterday when I first saw you.  On Friday, I watched you enter Kindergarten, happy and full of confidence.  

I have been feeling so positive about you going to "big kid" school.  You are my little social butterfly, never knowing a stranger.  It should be so easy for you and if the first day was any indication, it will be.  You came  home over joyed and full of stories.  You sure know how to brighten up a room.  

In the weeks leading up to school, I have been doing a lot of thinking.  There are regrets I have had, such as working full time until you were 18 months old.  So many milestones I missed out on.  I regret ever being harsh with you as you deserve only kindness.  

In turn, I remember all the fun, silly times we have had as well.  While you won't be with me 24 hrs a day, I will think about you constantly.  Being a mother has been my greatest accomplishment.  You and your brother have brought me more happiness that I have ever experience before.  

As you go off to school, I pray that you meet only friends and find joy in learning.  Remember, if anyone upsets or hurts you, you  have one fierce mama lion right behind you!!!!  

The first day arrives.  They both did really well.  Myles said he missed Grady and was very excited to pick him up.  No tears on anyone's part.

I swear, he can't take a serious photo.

What a big kid

One Last Hurrah

As the first day of school quickly approached, Kirsten and I took the kids out for one last Summer outing.  We went to Hey, Hey Cupcake, our local cupcake shop.  After our tasty treat we went to a playground.  How did this day arrive so rapidly?

Grady and Lilyanne chowed down on their cupcakes.

Clowning around on the swings.  

He took a lickin' and kept on kickin'

This kids laugh makes me laugh

Bye, Bye Summer

Summertime, where did you go?  We just had our last weekend of the Summer.  Grady starts Kindergarten this week (stay tuned for an emotional post).  For the big blowout we went camping with the Bobilya Family.  We returned to one of our favorite campgrounds, Cascade Lake.  Everyone had a blast, swimming, canoeing, fishing and enjoying good company.

Ready to roast some marshmallows.

Getting a few casts in.

Oh, Grady and Lilyanne, how did you two grow up so quickly.  They will be off to Kindergarten this Friday. Luckily, they are in the same class and can watch over each other.

Look who's rowing the boat.  Keep it steady, Myles.

Kirsten and Lilyanne paddle to the waterfall.

The Scala Family canoe.

The kids enjoyed the beach.  I think this was their favorite place.

The two class clowns.  At least we still have a few years left with our little ones.  

Summer Showers

The summers in the mountains are plagued with quick showers.  What should you do when caught in said showers while on the playground?  Get absolutely head to toe muddy.  

Kirsten and I were at a local playground when a shower popped up.  Our kids were in heaven.  Running from mud puddle to mud puddle.  The other two moms on the playground looked on with horror in their eyes.  They were hoping and praying that their children, wearing very nice clothes, would not join in the madness.  I think it was the first time we have ever been shunned at the playground.  

Needless to say, we didn't care and laughed as our kids enjoyed the mud.  Cleaning them up was another story......

Just getting started

The fantastic four.  Anika, Myles, Lilyanne and Grady.

Look at these little hooligans.

Luckily it was still raining when we left as the playground equipment was caught in the mud fight.

A happy, muddy girl after sticking her face in a mud puddle.  Notice the mom packing up and leaving before her kids wanted to join ours.

Heading home

Summer Olympics

In the spirit of the Olympic Games, Myles decided to follow suit.  He donned his mask (a pair of underwear) and grabbed the torch (another pair of underwear shoved into a paper towel roll) and went forth to overcome his competitors (wearing only underwear).   I believe he took the gold.  Who wouldn't give a gold medal to a man who could incorporate 3 pair of underwear into the Olympic Games?

The torch bearer.

Passing the torch

The games have begun.  Starting with the ninja event.  The torch is dissembled to become nun chucks.

After a loss, he becomes very serious.

He gets his head in the game and Myles Scala takes an Olympic GOLD.

Mt. Mitchell State Park

This week the boys and I met up with my friend, Kelly, and her little guy.  We decided to head up to Mt. Mitchell State Park, the highest peak east of the Mississippi.  The boys thought it was super cool to be up the the clouds as they were swirling around us.  The temperature was quite a change too, 58 degrees.  

It was great to see Kelly and catch up as we don't get to hang that often.  Grayson has grown so much since we last got together.  He was hanging with my "big boys".  If you live in the area, you have to visit Mt. Mitchell.  It's beautiful and so different from other state parks.

Grady on the top of the Mountain.

Oh boy, here comes trouble.

Grady wanted to take a photo of Kelly and I.  He's quite the photographer.